Speeches

Jan162008

Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) sent a letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) inquiring about the status of the USACE Feasibility Report of the Sabine Neches Waterway (SNWW) specifically fast tracked by Congressman Poe in the FY 2007 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

This project is extremely vital to the economic growth of Southeast Texas and its potential impact on the nation, Poe stated. It is the very reason I worked to add language to the final Act so that the benefits of this project could be fully reached as soon as possible.

Concerns from local stakeholders over the lack of communication prompted Congressman Poe to seek explanation from USACE for the delay and clarification of Congress' intent regarding what constitutes "expedited completion.

I have been increasingly frustrated at the slow pace this project has taken from the start which will take a four year study, eight years or more to complete, continued Poe. Most of the reasons stated for this delay are the additional and often unnecessary or duplicative regulatory requirements being imposed.

Congressman Poe has long championed legislation and funding to improve and expand the Sabine Neches Waterway. Through his efforts, specific language accompanied the final FY 2007 WRDA bill stating, In carrying out the review of the project for navigation, Sabine Neches Waterway, Texas and Louisiana, the Secretary is directed to utilize all current available data, models, and analyses to facilitate the scheduled completion of the Chief of Engineers report. I expect the USACE to expedite the completion of the Feasibility Report as directed by Congress.

Congressman Poe serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and Member of the Port Security Caucus.